MLS move ‘not responsible’ for Martins World Cup snub

Obafemi Martins’move to the Major League Soccer is not reason the Seattle Sounders striker did not make the Super Eagles World Cup squad, Coach Stephen Keshi has said.

A few eyebrows were raised when the former Newcastle striker was left out of Nigeria’s preliminary list for the 2014 World Cup. And the questions from football fans, especially those based in America, about his exclusion was pertinent after the Super Eagles created few chances in a scoreless draw with Greece in Tuesday’s international friendly at PPL Park.

But in the press conference after the game, Keshi dismissed the notion that Martins’ move to MLS in 2013 had anything to do with his decision to leave him out of the team.

“I live in the United States, so I know a little bit about the league,” Keshi said.

“It’s a good league. I don’t think there’s any problem for a Nigerian player to play in Major League Soccer.”

Keshi said nothing else about Martins, who has scored six goals and had six assists in the first 14 games of the season.

But he did confirm that Toronto FC forward Bright Dike would have been going to Brazil if not for a serious injury. Dike – who also struggled with injuries while with the Portland Timbers from 2011 to 2013 – has made two appearances for the Nigerian national team, scoring one goal.

“He would have been here; yes,” Keshi said. “It’s a shame. But that’s football.”